The Rogues Rant, an occasional look at all things Rugby

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The NSW Country selectors in my opinion got their selections pretty right after last week’s Country Week Carnival at Mudgee. The squad announced this week reflects what I saw at Mudgee over the weekend with Central West and Illawarra players dominating the squad selections. I thought that the Illawarriors and Blue Bulls were the stand out teams at the carnival and the selectors obviously agreed. Each zone secured 11 positions in the 35 player squad with Hunter next best with 5. Great to see our new faces in the Cockatoos in Andrew Barrett, Mitch Hardy, Andre Itula, Mark Minter, and James Smith being given the opportunity to join repeat reps , Ben Greentree, Gavin Holder, Don Nepia, Lee Russell, Eli Sinoti and Paul Tuala. I’m sure all the boys are keen to make their presence felt with a very attractive program coming up, culminating with a west coast USA tour.

After 9 rounds of Super Rugby we have a bit of a log jam at the top of the table. The Sharks with a Bye last week are still on top of the table. With the Brumbies, Waratahs and Force all winning and the Chiefs phone number library remarkable draw with the Cheetahs, the top six are separated by 6 points. It’s great to see three Australian teams in the top 6. The Brumbies were too good for the Blues. The Force continued their great start to the year with a tight win over the Reds. Thanks to a flawless kicking performance from Kurtley Beale and Bernard Foley the Waratahs recorded their first win in Cape Town since 2006. If you get a chance, have a look at the highlights of the Cheetahs/Chiefs match, in particular the tries scored by Tim Natai-Williams. Just brilliant. This weeks’ tips Highlanders, Brumbies, Chiefs, Waratahs, Crusaders and Sharks. Three wrong again last week, at least I’m consistent.

Word has got back to the Rogue that Vikings President, Mark MacDonald is in hospital for a little bit of surgery. All the best Mark, hope you're back on deck in time for Vikings first home match against Bowral on May 3.

One thing that is evident with the Waratahs form of the last couple of weeks is that Israel Folau's presence in the Waratahs lineup is essential to the Tahs title hopes. Whether scoring tries or creating opportunities for those around him, it’s clear that he is worth at least one try a game for the Waratahs.

I hear there are moves afoot to run an Under 18 comp in 2015. The idea is to run a short comp in the early part of the season and to have it all finished by the middle of the school year. This would allow 18 year olds who are heading for the HSC a chance to play some rugby without getting in the way of study and all that comes with the last year of school. I think it’s a great idea. They can have their rugby hit for the year and still give the study their best shot.